Experts with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said when they see that trend, they know it's spreading throughout communities.

Advertisement

Among the symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever and body aches.

It's spread by sharing food, shaking hands or contact with a contaminated surface.

Once you catch it, it could take three days to get over it.

Follow standard precautions to avoid norovirus, washing your hands regularly and disinfecting if someone in your house is sick.

Other prevention tips:

Have a "sick" bag close by - With norovirus infection, vomiting can happen so quickly that you may be unable to reach the bathroom. If you're nauseous, find something that can be used to contain the vomit to help control the spread of the virus.

Do not prepare food for other people during your illness and for two to three days after getting better.

Clean and disinfect any object or surface contaminated by vomiting or diarrhea with a household cleaner containing bleach or with a homemade cleaner made by adding 5-25 tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of water.

Wash clothing that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of illness, using hot water and soap.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom or changing diapers.

People working in child care centers, schools or nursing homes should pay special attention to children or residents who have symptoms of norovirus. The virus can spread very fast in these types of environments.